Formation of HFC-134a hydrate by static mixing

In recent years, applications of gas hydrates have been intensively studied in the fields of energy and environmental management. To implement such hydrate-related technologies, development of efficient processes of continuous hydrate formation would be necessary. We proposed a new type of method for gas hydrate formation using a static mixer. Flows of HFC-134a gas were mixed with water in a Kenics static mixer, and HFC-134a hydrate formation was observed as plug-like hydrate and hydrate slurry. Plug-like hydrate was agglomerated HFC-134a bubbles covered with hydrate, while the hydrate slurry consisted of small hydrate particles dispersed in water. The hydrate formation patterns depended on the rate of hydrate formation according to pressure and temperature conditions. From the experimental results, the pressure and temperature conditions feasible for continuously forming HFC-134a hydrate in this experimental system were determined.